Randomized controlled trial to determine if the provision of HIVST can increase engagement of HIV testing among emergency department patients who declined HIV testing. 100 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either 1) HIVST or 2) an informational pamphlet on the importance of HIV testing and a list of testing sites in Baltimore. Participants in the intervention arm received an oral fluid-based HIVST to take home and received five referral cards for their peers to request HIVST kits. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, HIV testing history, reasons to decline HIV testing at triage and willingness to take home an HIVST kit and use it. HIV testing from both groups after enrolment was determined via telephone follow-up at 1 month.
Study period: February to May 2016

Summary of findings

52 patients were randomised to the HIVST group and 48 to the control group. 64% (n=64/100) participants completed 1-month follow-up after the enrolment. 48% (n=14/29) HIVST patients reported being tested for HIV using the HIVST kit provided, while 6% (n=2/35) patients in the control group reported being tested at the medical care setting (RR: 8.45 (95% CI: 2.09 to 34.17)). 57% (n=8/14) of HIVST patients reported their results.